Avoid baggage fees with Kayak’s new bag measurement tool

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If you’re a harried airline traveler like many of us, the last thing you want to do is get to the airport and be hit with yet another fee. That’s why the Kayak app’s latest feature is a travel must, potentially saving you time and money.

Want to know whether your baggage is the right size for flying? Kayak app’s new tool is a travel must

If you have Kayak’s mobile app, which is available on Android as well is on iOS, all you have to do to take advantage of this new tool is search for a flight. Once you do, you’ll see that at the bottom it says New bag measurement tool.

Photo caption: Screenshot of Kayak app

Once you click on the tool, you’ll be taken to a screen that lets you enable the app to access your camera. Don’t worry, you won’t be taking any photos.

Photo caption: Screenshot of Kayak app

Now, the augmented reality magic begins! All you have to do is point the camera at your bag, as if you’re going to take a picture. As you hold steady, a grid will appear.

You should get a message that tells you to “Tap on the grid to confirm the floor.”

Photo caption: Screenshot of Kayak app

As you stare into the phone, it will scan your baggage and you’ll see it populate with dots all over (magic!) as it calculates the size. In a matter of seconds, if the bag is too large, it will tell you. In my case, it gave me a message that said, “Looks good: This is likely a carry-on item.”

Photo caption: Screenshot of Kayak app

And, just like that, you’re done! The app will tell you if the bag you’ve scanned is in line with the size limits for the particular flight you’ve searched for. If it’s not, it’s time to find a different bag — or be prepared to pay more money on top of what you’re paying for a seat on the plane.

Craig Johnson is a conscious money-saver who still reads paperback books and listens to vinyl. He likes to write about how technology is making things easier and more affordable — but also sometimes more dangerous — for the modern consumer. You can reach Craig at [email protected]